How much should I tip on safari?

There is no single tipping amount for every safari; gratuities are discretionary and should reflect the destination, service received and whether your guide is private or shared. Ask for recommendations tailored to your itinerary, and budget separately for guides, trackers where applicable, general lodge staff, transfer drivers and porters.

Answered by the Fair Trade Safaris team · Last reviewed

Safaris

Safari tipping arrangements differ between camps and countries. Ask for guidance that specifies whether suggested amounts are per guest, per couple or per vehicle, and whether they apply per day or per stay.

People you may wish to tip include:

  • Your safari guide.
  • A tracker, where applicable.
  • General camp staff through a shared gratuity fund.
  • Transfer drivers and porters.
  • Trekking guides and porters on specialist activities.

Check the preferred currency and whether card gratuities are possible. Tipping at the end of a stay is common, but arrangements may differ when guides or drivers change.

Itineraries

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